HPLC System Buying Guide

If you are thinking about investing in a used HPLC System there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Here we take a look at the various things to consider when buying a new or used HLPC system, manufacturers such as Agilent and Waters, and types of stet up.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a chromatographic technique used to split a mixture of compounds to identify, quantify and purify the individual components of the mixture.
HPLC Systems and Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (uHPLC) systems are integral parts of many analytical chemistry, biotechnology and industrial Labs.
If you are thinking about investing in a used HPLC System there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
Considerations when buying a used HPLC
HPLC systems are complex pieces of instrumentation, with many options and required consumables. Fully integrated systems are sometimes less expensive and may meet your needs whereas modular systems may allow more flexibility but can require more of your budget.
Before making any decisions, start your quest by defining your goals, needs, expectations and especially your applications for use. Be specific. What will it be used for?
Do you need a simple benchtop system or a fully automated research grade computer software-controlled system? What types of detectors will be appropriate for your sample types? How much practical hands-on experience do you have with different systems (who will the full time users be)? What types of local support are available to you? Will you require extensive training and support to maintain and troubleshoot the system?
Types of set up
For professional research labs with applications such as drug analysis and method development, a system might consist of a HPLC pump, Vacuum Degasser, UV/Vis, Autosampler and a high-end Chromatography Data System for data acquisition and analysis.
Manufacturers of HPLC systems
There is a wide range of HPLC manufacturers on the market today. Richmond Scientific stock used HPLC systems from:
- Agilent
- Perkin Elmer
- Jasco
- Dionex
- Thermo Fisher
- Varian
- Waters
- Hewlett Packard
To get the best HPLC system price on a Waters HPLC, Agilent HPLC, or find manuals for Agilent HPLC 1100, please browse the HPLC collection here:
https://richmondscientific.com/collections/used-hplc-systems-for-sale
There are lots of resources online to help you learn how to use HPLC, and many of the major manufacturers have in-depth tutorials and troubleshooting videos on youtube.
We have linked to some of the best ones here.
Can I get UPLC or UHPLC performance on an HPLC system?
HPLC Maintenance - Removing the Pump Head on an Agilent 1100/1200/1260